The Message of the Eve(s)- Part 2 of 2
This second blog is being delivered on New Years’ Eve of 2021. Finally, it is here!
Some of us have vowed to stay up until the calendar officially changes that last ZERO to a ONE. Seems very right to me. We have all shared the same storm of 2020. Everyone I speak with wants a better 2021.
Right around New Years’, most of us take stock of ourselves and our situations. A few set out some goals for this new year. Here are the “CRITICAL ISSUES” for Higher Education in their immediate future. These are Educations’ must-win 2021 goals.
When you cut to the chase, it is simple. They MUST compete for YOUR business. ( A very foreign concept to many.) For today’s students, this means a real opportunity to negotiate better offers to attend their best choice institution. In other words, every paying student is more valuable than ever before!
What are the CRITICAL issues facing Higher Education in 2021?
Reversing DECLINING ENROLLMENT.
Becoming FINANCIALLY STABLE.
Becoming an institution focused on FUTURE PROOFING THEIR CAMPUSES.
Bad times for colleges & universities may give YOU more leverage than just a few years ago. Here are their issues, and here are your advantages:
DECLINING ENROLLMENT- This is not new, and not due to Covid- Since 2013, there has been an ongoing decline in college/university enrollments. Along came Covid which dropped enrollments between 10-20% during the fall of 2020. Every college AND university is losing money. Some in the millions, others in the tens of millions.
YOUR Play - Take the steps to make yourself an even better “package.” A. Improve your grades, your scores, and your academic standing. B. Identify and activate any unique gifts you love ( unicycling, recycling materials into art, etc. ) C. Focus and expand your community service work. If you volunteer, do more. If you have a pet project, expand it, and get others to volunteer with you ( that’s called Leadership- and they give scholarships for that!)
FINANCIALLY STABLE- Colleges and universities can’t increase costs right now, so they will have to do some trimming. Sadly, some majors, courses, and faculty and staff will no longer be there. This is necessary to balance offerings with income. We all understand that equation. Now, the schools are having to make similarly difficult decisions.
YOUR Play- Be sure you select a course of study that will SURVIVE any cuts at your school. Penguin Anthropology could be a major without a future. If you are already a Junior or Senior, have no fears. They will likely “phase out” any majors. BUT, have a backup major in the back of your mind at all times.
FUTURE PROOFING ANY CAMPUS- State schools cannot expect more money from their state governments- in fact, it could and likely will be less in the future. They must go on a financial diet. To succeed, they must change and offer programs that will be in demand in the 21st century. Even relatively affordable regional universities must do a top to bottom assessment to get their costs in line, to retain students.
YOUR Play- Don’t bury your head in the academic sand if you are already in college. Ask questions- check-in with departments about upcoming changes. Parents, call to ask questions about majors going away, and what is coming. IF they do something that you can’t handle, be ready to jump ship. Trust me, there are other good schools nearby that likely offer a similar major. Remember, you have $$$$ value. You are a paying customer. You can take your business elsewhere, but don’t act in haste. College credits transfers are tricky. You could lose a semester or more if you don’t ask for a credits review and acceptance from your new institution BEFORE you commit. Just remember- you have the Power of the Purse.
When there are fewer students, the competition increases. The offers can be re-negotiated. You have more financial leverage. You can make a better deal. Every dollar less you spend out of YOUR wallet is a win for your family and your student. All this and much more is covered in my book, ENOUGH!
Next week’s blog will teach you how to do a simple spreadsheet so you can ask for and maybe get more money! Who doesn’t need that?
And who doesn’t need the book that tells the truth? ENOUGH! The College Cost Crisis, is still a great bargain! Start your new year with the tools to help your student get through the right school, at the best possible price, in the least amount of time, with a degree or certification they can use!
Until next time,
All my best,
Bonnie
